Simera Sense of Belgium and Czech-based Zaitra have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at addressing one of the most pressing challenges in modern Earth observation: the ability to process and deliver satellite data fast enough to support real-time decision-making. The collaboration combines Simera Sense’s high-resolution imaging instruments with Zaitra’s onboard AI and smart-compression technologies to create an end-to-end processing capability directly on the satellite.
The companies say the agreement comes at a pivotal time for the sector. Between 2025 and 2034, the number of Earth observation satellites launched is expected to be almost three times higher than the previous decade, with a four-fold increase in spacecraft carrying onboard edge-computing systems. As imaging resolutions rise, the volume of data generated is growing at a rate that exceeds current downlink capacity, creating bottlenecks that slow access to critical information.
Simera Sense’s MultiScape100 and HyperScape100 instruments can generate gigabits of imaging data per scene. According to the companies, this becomes difficult to transmit without delay, especially during missions where rapid analysis is essential, such as disaster response, crop monitoring or urban development.
Under the new collaboration, imagery captured by Simera Sense’s payloads will be processed in orbit using Zaitra’s SKAISEN AI engine, which can identify priority targets — such as infrastructure, population centres or impacted disaster zones — and filter out low-value or irrelevant pixels, including cloud cover. The SKAIPACK compression module applies JPEG2000-based smart compression with region-of-interest prioritisation, preserving critical image areas at full fidelity while heavily compressing the rest. The SKAIDOCK system then enables rapid onboard processing and progressive downlink, ensuring high-priority information reaches analysts within minutes of capture.
Zaitra CEO Marek Marusin said the partnership enables satellites to act as intelligent sensing platforms rather than passive cameras, with edge AI delivering results significantly faster and at lower cost than conventional approaches. Simera Sense CCO Thys Cronje said the integration allows the company’s imagers to overcome long-standing latency barriers and better support time-critical missions.
The collaboration positions both companies to meet rising demand for real-time Earth observation data and reflects an industry shift toward greater autonomy, onboard analytics and reduced dependence on ground-segment bandwidth.
